Cachupa | FoodieAtlas

Ingredients

1 cup dried corn (hominy or dried maize)
1 cup dried beans (such as kidney beans or black-eyed peas)
1/2 lb pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
1/2 lb chorizo or Portuguese sausage, sliced
1/2 lb smoked fish or salted cod, soaked and shredded (optional)
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup cabbage, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
4 cups water or chicken broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Beans and Corn

Soak the dried corn and beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Meat

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the pork belly or pork shoulder and chorizo. Cook until browned on all sides.

Add Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Saut√© until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, paprika, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the spices to release their aroma.

Add Beans and Corn

Add the soaked beans and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.

Add Vegetables and Liquid

Add the sweet potato, carrots, cabbage, and bay leaves. Pour in the water or chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans, corn, and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if necessary.

Add Smoked Fish (Optional)

If using smoked fish or salted cod, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your Cachupa!